Arenas walked up the stairs after practice on Monday and Wizards owner Ted Leonsis was waiting to greet him with a hug and a smile. Leonsis made a comment about Arenas's beard. Arenas grinned and said, "I'm cutting it. I'm cutting it."

Leonsis, who sports a goatee, then rubbed his chin and asked Arenas if he would at least keep the goatee. "Like me?" Leonsis said, then lowered his head and raised his right fist in the air as if he was staging some protest. "You know, for solidarity."

Arenas laughed as he traded some shaving advice with Leonsis, then rubbed his beard some more and said, "I'm cutting it. This was a preseason look."

Arenas walked away, without saying when the beard would meet the shears. But Young was probably right when he said, "I don't think he's going to get used to walking around looking like that."

Leonsis's playful banter didn't stop with Arenas. He had a joke for nearly every player and staffer that walked by him. After shaking hands with Al Thornton, Leonsis mentioned how frightened he was when he found out that a car struck him on George Mason's campus. He expressed his appreciation to Thornton for jumping on the car to avoid injury and giving him a chance to joke about it. He then mentioned that former Bullets legend and Hall-of-Famer Gus Johnson was known to have hurdled cars for sport.

He then stopped Yi Jianlian and invited him to attend a Capitals game against the Ottawa Senators. Yi has never seen a hockey game, and Leonsis wanted to spoil him, so he walked Yi to the elevator that led directly to the owner's box at Verizon Center. He is expected to check out Alex Ovechkin on Monday night.

Coach Flip Saunders has named John Wall and Kirk Hinrich as team captains based on the leadership that they have provided since training camp, he said. Given how he has praised those two players the past two weeks, that isn't a surprise.

But Arenas, one of three captains last season, is not included in that list. When asked if he considered Arenas to be a captain this season, Saunders focused on Wall and Hinrich. "We haven't really talked," he said. "I just thought those two guys have been our two most vocal guys and guys that have shown leadership. That's why, through the first three games, I've had those two guys be our team captains."

Saunders said Al Thornton would most likely be unavailable for Tuesday's game against Atlanta with a sprained left ankle, opening the door for Cartier Martin, Nick Young and Adam Morrison to get some playing time in his absence. He said he doesn't expect Thornton to miss much more than two days. Hilton Armstrong will play after missing the past two games with a right shoulder injury, Saunders said.

So last year's Eastern Conference All-Star guards were Wade, Rondo, Rose, and Joe Johnson. Gilbert got 546,000 votes, which is even goofier than the fans voting in Allen Iverson. Others receiving votes (some a lot more than Gilbert) were Vince Carter, Ray Allen, Jose Calderon, and Mike Bibby.

Based on that, I think you could argue that a health Arenas is among the ten best scoring guards in the East. That's a long way from superstar, but still quite respectable. If it wasn't for that contract suspended from his neck, I'm pretty sure they could find a buyer. But as is, no.

Gilbert is a genius! He know how to captivate an audience without "demanding" the attention. This whole beard and not smiling crap kept his name in the papers and on tv ever since media day. The beard will be gone. And once the season starts, so will the catch and shoot version of Gil that we've seen in the preseason. Yes, this is Wall's team. But I bet my paycheck if the game is on the line, the ball is in Gil's hands!

Sorry. Just want to add to my previous post...Gil has "figured out" how to captivate the audience without "demanding" the attention. Not to take away from any of his "Look at me" theatrics of previous seasons.

Al Thornton ruled out of Tuesday's game, but so is Marvin Williams....is this an excuse for Flip to lean on his stupid 3 guard lineup?

Has Flip ever explained what the advantage to the 3 guard is supposed to be? There's only 1 ball to dribble, and Wall/Gil/KH are all PGs. So having Gil/KH at 2 already gives the team plenty handle and passing...what does the 3rd guard add?

Well, the 3 gard game might not be taken for grant for 48 minutes, nearly every team in NBA use 3 gard line up for some time in the game.The 3 gard line up is to increase spead in perimeter defense,fast break offense and forcing turnovers.It sounds to be good plan every now and then for teams like wiz who has no known rebounder or post scorer,mainly in an attempt to utilize the spead of john wall.
But Mr. flip should not make it all or none ,he should consider much up problem.

Has Flip ever explained what the advantage to the 3 guard is supposed to be? There's only 1 ball to dribble, and Wall/Gil/KH are all PGs. So having Gil/KH at 2 already gives the team plenty handle and passing...what does the 3rd guard add?
Posted by: divi3

I think he's said more than once that it has less to do with 3 guards per se (throwing Nick out there at the 3 would technically still be a 3 guard lineup) as it does with trying to get his 'best' players on the floor. Debate who's better and the value of it all you like. Flip believes that Gil, Wall, and KH are 3 of his best 4 players (I'm assuming AB is #4?). So the 3-guard lineup gets them out on the floor.

The advantages as I see them are: you get another smart vet on the floor with a rook and two comparatively young players. KH can shoot, but is also willing to move the ball, so hopefully that helps overall ball movement and offensive execution. KH is a more experienced and disciplined defender than any of the other options. Is it worth it? Probably some times, probably not others. But I'm on board with checking out some of the other options too.

Do teams take on $18mill for a backup player? EG and Flip had KH penciled in as a starter from Day1, who knows, perhaps it was believed Gil could be moved. Now there are 3 PGs that 'must' get 30mins, so we'll get plenty of talk from Flip about how AB/JM are the cause of the team getting outrebounded while he runs a 6'3" SF. And that's really what the debacle will be, not a 3 guard lineup per se, but a 3 PG lineup that forces 6'3" 190 pound KH into a SF role.

Thats my boy. He starts playing a little more assertive and the fun is coming back. You still want him to be serious and a leader but you always have to be yourself or you will never ever ever play up to the best of your abilities. He's going to be more jovial and he's going to be ready for the season big time

Didnt Thornton come into camp 20 pounds lighter and supposedly in great shape? Who says he's been outplayed by everyone else? Not saying he hasnt, but havent read that anywhere.

Booker is a guy EG traded up to get, specifically for his rebounding, defense, and toughness. Booker is the guy who supposedly made Singleton expendable. Was that a miscalculation on EGs part and now Flip has to scramble to fill the SF spot? Or is the 3 guard lineup actually Flip's preferred rotation anyway? Just askin, because I'm pretty sure everybody here would have been comfortable with Singleton holdin down the 3.

"Just askin, because I'm pretty sure everybody here would have been comfortable with Singleton holdin down the 3.Posted by: divi3"

Over 32 games, at 24 minutes per, he averaged 6.3 points, including a scintillating 13.3% from outside. He's a rebounder who can play defense against bigger forwards. Maybe you were thinking of Ken Singleton.

Over 32 games, at 24 minutes per, he averaged 6.3 points, including a scintillating 13.3% from outside. He's a rebounder who can play defense against bigger forwards. Maybe you were thinking of Ken Singleton.

Posted by: Samson151 | October 11, 2010 7:39 PM

My bad, I thought the idea was to get tough, rebound, and defend this season. Or at least that's what EG preached all summer. Didnt realize 3pt shooting from the SF spot was really the big priority.

Starting Nick Young at the three would not be same 3-guard line up as Kirk Hinrick. First of all Nick Young is 6-7 and has a very good wing span and you can ask him to play a more traditional three role than Hinrich can ever dream of.

It is pure poppy cock and baloney of having KH on the floor as another vet for Wall and also having three of your top players on the floor.

That is some spoiled sausage. This team as currently constructed has several other options at the three position that haven't even been given a courtesy look, much less a consistent try.

And now yawl telling me that Booker can't get a look or even play the three. And now Thornton is a dud and everybody outplayed him. Who is everybody? Kirk Hinrich?

There is no way that Nick Young should not be getting a chance to see if he can play small forward. Not the third starting guard, but small forward.

Kirk Hinrich cannot play small forward, thats why you call it a three guard offense.

However, Nick Young has the tools to play small forward. We can say Nick Young hasn't stepped up since he's been here, but the fact is he is still here and Flip Saunders should give him a chance to sink or swim at the small forward position.

Slide Blatche out to the three and let Yi get some time at the Power Forward. I feel more comfortable with Blatche at the three than Yi. Though Yi can shoot it from outside, I think he is better inside with McGee for his rebounding and and inside play.

But this in itself is two more options in one for you can have Blatche or Yi play the three.

Flip always crys about rebounding and toughness and effort but he never seems to like to load up his big men on the court.

How often is a rook made a co-captain? And what is with all the hand wringing about the three? Isn't that Howard's position when he returns? Any indication he isn't returning soon? Wall, Arenas, Howard and Blatche, are not bad as far as it goes, minus the two knees and ankle and the ever green Mr. McGee. Oh and Yi may add something to the mix.

Beyond the known unknowns are the unknown unknowns, that would be the bench. Probably just too many question marks to expect much this year but maybe some entertaining basketball from Wall, Arenas, Howard and let's hope Blathce and Yi.

Do teams take on $18mill for a backup player?....Now there are 3 PGs that 'must' get 30mins,
Posted by: divi3

They have a rookie PG, and a PG/SG in Gil who they don't know can last a full season. They wanted a tougher, more defensive oriented player and someone who could help Wall's transition to the NBA. They also got a first round pick and cash. But in answer to your question, yes, teams will take on $18M over 2 years for a backup player. Also, there are 96 mins a game between the two guard positions, so all 3 could play 32 mins a game.

But again, it's the preseason, so everyone slow your roll. Plenty of time left to get upset when Flip rolls out this lineup in the regular season.

"My bad, I thought the idea was to get tough, rebound, and defend this season. Or at least that's what EG preached all summer. Didnt realize 3pt shooting from the SF spot was really the big priority.Posted by: divi3"

LeBron James, Paul Pierce, Rashard Lewis, Carmelo Anthony -- a lot of teams get a big chunk of their scoring from the SF position. It's not all three-pointers, either, although having lost Mike Miller, improvement in that area wouldn't hurt the club's chances.

That's why your statement -- "I'm pretty sure everybody here would have been comfortable with Singleton holdin down the 3" -- sounded so odd. You don't need a prime scorer, but James Singleton? Please.

Someone commented earlier about a "healthy" Arenas being in the top ten shooting guard in the league. Climb the ladder about seven notches & I'll nod the affirmative. Remember these numbers when Arenas was healthy: A shade over 26 ppg. A shade over 28 ppg and a shade over 29 ppg. The only other shooting guard that boasted those numbers at that stage of Arenas's career was Kobe Bryant. Even Wade's numbers at that time were slightly lower. Look it up. And Gil is only 28, and he's not finished lighting up opposing guards such as the "Great Kobe" who he lit up for 60 at the Staples Center. (What an embarassment). And to further humiliate Bryant Gil bowed to the crowd. Just name one other player in the entire league that could "abuse" Kobe in that manner.

Let's take it a step further. 54 points against the combination of "First team all-NBA defenders: Shawn Marion and Raja Bell (in the same game), then 50 against another First Team All-Defensive team player (Andre Kirelinko). All this happened within a 60 day period. Who else in the league could save his best arsenal to destroy top NBA defenders like that? I hope Washingtonians have not developed "convenient amnesia" about the exploits of Gil. And since very few others will report the facts, (especially the Bleacher Report Clan)- I will.

Starting Nick Young at the three would not be same 3-guard line up as Kirk Hinrick. First of all Nick Young is 6-7 and has a very good wing span and you can ask him to play a more traditional three role than Hinrich can ever dream of.
Posted by: LarryInClintonMD

A) I never said it was the same. People were complaining about a 3-guard lineup, Young is a guard. Putting him in there is still a 3-guard lineup.

B) The only way Young is more desirable as an option at 3, is that he looks more like a SF walking through the airport. Hinrich is a better option than Young in every other way.

That is some spoiled sausage. This team as currently constructed has several other options at the three position that haven't even been given a courtesy look, much less a consistent try.

Flip had Nick Young all of last season, and Thornton and Martin for significant portions of it. These aren't new players to him. He's seen what they have and apparently he is not satisfied. It's not enough to be taller, you have to play better.

Obviously once Howard is healthy, the equation changes.

However, Nick Young has the tools to play small forward. We can say Nick Young hasn't stepped up since he's been here, but the fact is he is still here and Flip Saunders should give him a chance to sink or swim at the small forward position.

He's still here because he has flashed enough potential to justify his cheap rookie salary.

If one of our main concerns is rebounding, then playing Young at the SF makes the least sense, because as has been well documented, he doesn't hit the boards. That's one 'tool' he hasn't shown.

Next option.

Slide Blatche out to the three and let Yi get some time at the Power Forward.

This idea has been floating around for a bit now, and it really needs to go away. Blatche has a decent outside shot, but not really consistent 3 pt range (that I've seen). He also has a penchant for fouling when guarding players on the perimeter. He's quick for a PF, but not in the same league as most SFs. You're also taking your best inside player away from the basket.

--

All of that being said, I'm all for more experimentation at the 3, especially in the preseason, be it Thornton, Yi, Booker, Martin and yes, even Young. But let's not pretend like there are a host of great candidates who aren't getting a chance. Just a bunch of guys who all have their flaws, Hinrich included.

Saunders said he is experimenting with different lineups and hasn't "made any decisions" about the group he plans to trot out for the season opener in Orlando on Oct. 28.

"We want to see if we can play those guys together, because they are three of our top five guys," Saunders said about Arenas, Hinrich and Wall. "What you'd like to do at some point is get your best players on the floor as much as you can. Kirk has an ability to play against bigger guys. I don't know if we'll be able to play a lineup like that steady, but we'll be able to play them at times."

He joked, "It wouldn't be right to put that group out there, and one of those guys has to play LeBron James. That wouldn't be fair. They might put me in jail for that."

Okay so let's say LeBron, Melo and Durant are on the schedule. Who in the LEAGUE let alone this roster is going to stop him. Geez. It's called a SITUATIONAL lineup.

Lastly, I guarantee you there are not more than two players (I said two) that can boast of Arenas' game-winning exploits. Maybe the "biased" crew at Bleacher Report can research it, (if they are capable). I guarantee you they will not expose to the fans to how "clutch" Gil is when the game is on the line. They had the nerve not to include in their (biased) "best game-winning shots" the game when Arenas shot over Deron Williams and turned his back while the ball was in the air with his hands raised. This was one of the most phenominal game-winners I have ever witnessed. Simply because no one in the entire league (I said the entire league) has the swagger & guts to pull of feat like that. Let's face the music- Gil is the best the Wizards have to offer. Period. Hopefully he and Wall can generate a backcourt like none other in Wizards' history.

Lastly, I guarantee you there are not more than two players (I said two) that can boast of Arenas' game-winning exploits.

Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, Durant, Derek Fisher, Chauncey Billups, Manu, and that's just off the top of my head.

How many games winners has Gil hit in the past three, four years? Gil was awesome pre-injury, no question, but it's not wrong to question whether he can still be that same player. Just like it's not wrong to hope that he can be.

All of that being said, I'm all for more experimentation at the 3, especially in the preseason, be it Thornton, Yi, Booker, Martin and yes, even Young. But let's not pretend like there are a host of great candidates who aren't getting a chance. Just a bunch of guys who all have their flaws, Hinrich included.

Posted by: ts35 | October 11, 2010 9:45 PM

I can accept your pov's on this three guard thing ts35. But what is so disturbing to me is it does not appear that Flip is giving serious considerations to any of the other options/players.

True, Nick is a guard but play him or try him as a small forward and not as a third guard.

My man Timme' down in San Antonia is listed as a PF but he plays plenty of center.

So just because Nick is a guard, it doesn't mean that you a playing a three guard strategy because he plays the small forward.

We can talk about, Flip knows what everyone can do and he might but I would like to see gametime evidence of what these guys can and cannot do.

Give Nick Young just one friggin game at the small forward position, 25-30 minutes, then I shut up.

I have had it up to here with all these player evaluations that isn't backed up by consistent mpg on the court.

"Someone commented earlier about a "healthy" Arenas being in the top ten shooting guard in the league. Climb the ladder about seven notches & I'll nod the affirmative. Remember these numbers when Arenas was healthy: A shade over 26 ppg. A shade over 28 ppg and a shade over 29 ppg. The only other shooting guard that boasted those numbers at that stage of Arenas's career was Kobe Bryant. Even Wade's numbers at that time were slightly lower. Look it up. And Gil is only 28, and he's not finished lighting up opposing guards such as the "Great Kobe" who he lit up for 60 at the Staples Center. (What an embarassment). And to further humiliate Bryant Gil bowed to the crowd. Just name one other player in the entire league that could "abuse" Kobe in that manner." posted by esmith4

What is this, the History Channel? In the most recent 32 games, before getting himself suspended, he produced at levels well below his career scoring peaks. Granted, it's less than half a season, but it's more than he played in the previous two.

Obviously, you think Gil is as good as he ever was. You're entitled; I'm just pointing out you haven't got much in the way of recent evidence to back it up.

Gilbert and his beard was just another way to stay in the headlines without being verbal...Why announce to anyone that you are going to cut it off??? Who really cares????? And the drama still continues...

ON Nick Young...he will never be a starter and will probably be cut or traded this year...the guy can't play a lick of defense...doesn't penetrate to draw fouls...all he has is a jump shot and his type of player is a dime a dozen in the NBA...He won't be missed....

And the Wiz with the 3 guard hullabaloo...better concentrate on finding someone to clog up the middle on defense and rebound...been a glaring weakness for many years now with no inside toughness.....

'Ted Leonsis did this, Ted Leonsis did that.' Please get off his d***. He hasn't won anything. The Wizards have not won a championship for over thirty years. Not even close. The Wiz are more interested in selling hot dogs at Verizon than winning a ring. They rebuild every year because management is garbage. This is more Washington Post pro management propaganda. Stop criticizing players for having beards and other stupid stuff. Media coverage should be of the Wizards sorry management history of trading away good players such as Coran Butler, Antwan Jamison and Haywood and getting nothing in return.

Does anyone actually give a crap about the beard? I don't care if he dyes his hair blue and wears giant loop earrings (well, maybe I'd draw the line w/ the earrings). If he can play at a high level and the team wins some games, that's what we actually care about. This sports section reads like People magazine. How about some reporting about the technical aspects of the game? (although I doubt anyone who writes for this paper understands the game at that level) I'd be interested in reading about different types of defenses, why the pick and roll works or doesn't, etc. Maybe it's just me, but this fluff has gotten old.

Only the Wizards would give a backup role player 18 Million dollars and have him log more minutes than anyone on the team. Starting Heinrich at the 3 on a for real or experimental basis is stupid and goes to the dumb a$$ veteran hieratchy that has plagued this franchise for the last 5 years. To promote that this guy is one of your three top players on your team is laughable.

Hell, everyone knew what kind of talent Blatche was, which he showed immediately after the Jamison trade. I hear bloggers dog Nick Young but if you look at the games that he has gotten significant playing tome and was not jerked in and out after every mistake, he has shown phenomenal upside. NO BASKETBALL PLAYER COULD PLAY UNDER THE SUBSTITUE PATTERNS THAT THIS KID HAS ENDURED.

Flip Wilson is infatiated with "HEADY" high IQ BALLPLAYERS ALA hEINRICH, MILLER and even Oberto. That is good at the YMCA but not in the league where athleticism is still a major factor.

"Gilbert Arenas says he's cutting the beard." Call the Pulizer Prize selection committee! They must see this. What time does he cut his toe nails? The reason he keeps reverting to playing the fool is because the Post sports writers devote large amounts of space to anything he says or does. You folks empower him.

Someone commented earlier about a "healthy" Arenas being in the top ten shooting guard in the league. Climb the ladder about seven notches & I'll nod the affirmative. Remember these numbers when Arenas was healthy: A shade over 26 ppg. A shade over 28 ppg and a shade over 29 ppg. The only other shooting guard that boasted those numbers at that stage of Arenas's career was Kobe Bryant. Even Wade's numbers at that time were slightly lower. Look it up. And Gil is only 28, and he's not finished lighting up opposing guards such as the "Great Kobe" who he lit up for 60 at the Staples Center. (What an embarassment). And to further humiliate Bryant Gil bowed to the crowd. Just name one other player in the entire league that could "abuse" Kobe in that manner.

Let's take it a step further. 54 points against the combination of "First team all-NBA defenders: Shawn Marion and Raja Bell (in the same game), then 50 against another First Team All-Defensive team player (Andre Kirelinko). All this happened within a 60 day period. Who else in the league could save his best arsenal to destroy top NBA defenders like that? I hope Washingtonians have not developed "convenient amnesia" about the exploits of Gil. And since very few others will report the facts, (especially the Bleacher Report Clan)- I will.

Posted by: esmith4 | October 11, 2010 9:31 PM |

I second esmith4's post. Now, I understand Gil is coming off some adversities over the past 3 years, but like Steven A. Smith (B-ball analyst) said, "The boy can ball!".

Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, Durant, Derek Fisher, Chauncey Billups, Manu, and that's just off the top of my head.

How many games winners has Gil hit in the past three, four years? Gil was awesome pre-injury, no question, but it's not wrong to question whether he can still be that same player. Just like it's not wrong to hope that he can be.

Posted by: ts35

If I'm not mistaken, Gil was averaging 22/game before the bad decisions last year. Please confirm.

Gilbert and his beard was just another way to stay in the headlines without being verbal...Why announce to anyone that you are going to cut it off??? Who really cares????? And the drama still continues...

Posted by: pentagon40

News Flash! Reports report, not atheletes. Gil has no control what is written in the papers.

Kirk Hinrich is still our best defender BY A COUNTRY MILE. So he demands playing time somehow someway. It's that simple. We have to put at least one defensive minded player out there on the court or else we're gonna be looking at a lot of Golden State-esque box scores.

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